Answer

By Your Horse

Ellie Hoyes advises:

Make sure the foal is well prepared – he should be creep feeding and eating his own concentrates.
Gradual weaning is the most stress-free approach. Separate the mare and foal for part of the day or night, but leave them in sight of each other – the mare’s milk will start to dry out. Increase the time spent apart until you can separate them overnight permanently. Give the colt access to other horses and companions, and if you can, put him with other youngsters in a group in their own field. Never turn him out on his own – he might become lonely and rush to find his mother. Keep him busy with a daily routine of learning to tie up, picking up his feet, grooming and being led around. After weaning, keep an eye on your mare for signs of udder infection (mastitis).